Central Midlands midweek round-up

Richard Lane

The big match in the Black Dragon Badges North division produced an incident packed match between third-placed Harworth Colliery and table-toppers Phoenix. Before the match, Harworth opened their new stand in memory of club stalwart Robert Needham, but there was little cause for celebration on the field as Phoenix moved four points clear after a 2-1 win.

Leading scorer Steve McDonnell put the visitors ahead with seven minutes gone, James Cregan adding a second on the stroke of half-time.

Within two minutes of the restart Harworth reduced the arrears through Blake Freeman, but the turning point came in the 65th minute with a penalty award which also saw Phoenix reduced to ten men.

The spot kick was saved, and although the home side held the balance of play in the last twenty minutes they couldn’t force an equaliser.

Tuesday night in the Black Dragon Badges South division saw Clay Cross Town’s miserable home record extended as they went down 3-0 at home to Linby Colliery. Kaylum Mitchell opened the scoring after 12 minutes, the other goals coming in the second half, with Joe Butler doubling the advantage with 50 minutes played and an own goal putting the game beyond doubt on the hour.

Pinxton won by the same margin after their visit to Matlock Town reserves. Pete Stubley put the visitors in front in the first half and further goals from Jimmy Adcock and Jake Vernon ensured a maximum return.

On Wednesday night Belper United reclaimed second place after a 3-0 defeat put a temporary halt to Swanwick Pentrich Road’s climb up the table. Belper’s goals came from Ben Stockley, Sam Vickers and Tim Perry.

Sherwood Colliery made sure they kept well in touch, a Julian Topliss goal giving them the edge at Hucknall Rolls. A very entertaining match at Blidworth ended in a 3-2 win for the home side against Bulwell.

Two goals in the first half hour from Tim Gregory gave Blidworth the edge before Jake Fisher pulled one back on 43 minutes.

Gaz Curtis’ goal midway through the second half restored the two goal advantage, sub Adam Whitehead scoring Bulwell’s second ten minutes from time.

Pinxton’s second string also had a good night as they reached the final of the Reserve League Cup after a 1-0 win over much fancied Heanor Town. The decisive goal came from Jack McWilliams.

Hucknall Town will be Pinxton’s opponents on April 26th after they beat Radford 3-1 at Watnall Road. Toby Birch struck twice for Hucknall with Tremelle Lindo also on the scoresheet, while Radford’s reply came from Joe Evans.